Bridget Boakye is a writer, activist, and entrepreneur based in Accra, Ghana. Raised in both Ghana and the U.S., she is particularly interested in issues that draw on the experiences, insights, and values from both Africa and the African Diaspora. She is currently an Amplify Africa Fellow and member of the Global Shapers Accra Hub. You can find her on Instagram at @boakyeb

The mantra “Black is beautiful” was widely popular in the 1960s. It grew out of the Civil Rights Movement of the time. The statement and its accompanying ideas encouraged Black people to embrace their natural features and to stop trying to “eliminate” their African-identified traits.

Today, these same ideas are expressed in hashtags such as #blackgirlmagic, #darkskingirls, and #melaninmagic where Black people, especially young Black people, continue to celebrate their looks.

While the mantras and movements of tomorrow might change, the principle that black skin is beautiful will remain the same. See below 10 timeless quotes that celebrate black skin and be sure to add your own.